[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 129 (Thursday, July 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 38391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10563]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment for 
the Proposed Infrastructure Improvements for the Yucca Mountain 
Project, Nevada

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability, and the opportunity 
for public review and comment, of a draft environmental assessment (EA) 
(DOE/EA-1566) that examines the impacts of a proposal by the Department 
of Energy (DOE) to repair, replace, or improve certain facilities, 
structures, roads, and utilities (collectively referred to as 
infrastructure) for the Yucca Mountain Project. The proposed action 
would enhance safety at the project and enable DOE to safely continue 
ongoing operations, scientific testing, and maintenance until such time 
as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission decides whether to authorize 
construction of a repository.

DATES: Comments should be submitted to DOE no later than August 7, 
2006. DOE will consider comments submitted after this date to the 
extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Comments, or requests for copies of the draft EA, should be 
sent to Dr. Jane Summerson, EA Document Manager, United States 
Department of Energy, 1551 Hillshire Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134. 
Requests for copies of the draft EA may also be made by calling 1-800-
225-6972. The draft EA and electronic comment forms are available at 
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov. Comments may also be faxed to 1-800-967-0739.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jane Summerson, EA Document 
Manager, at the above address or at 1-800-225-6972.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed action is to repair, replace, 
or improve certain infrastructure at Yucca Mountain over a two-year 
period to enhance safety at the project and to enable DOE to continue 
safely conducting operations, scientific testing, and routine 
maintenance until such time as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 
decides whether to authorize construction of a repository. For purposes 
of analysis in this EA, DOE assumes this period could be up to 10 years 
in duration. This EA does not, however, consider or include any actions 
beyond an NRC decision on construction authorization. The main elements 
of the proposed action are as follows:
     Construct up to 33 miles of new and replacement roads 
(with two options for an access road)
     Construct up to 20.6 miles of new 138 kV power lines (with 
two options for a main power line)
     Develop a Central Operations Area consisting of six 
support buildings to replace existing infrastructure that is nearing 
or, in some instances, has exceeded its expected design and operational 
life
     Site, repair, and construct other facilities and 
structures for the Yucca Mountain Project
    Under both the proposed action and the no-action alternative, 
ongoing operations, scientific testing, and routine maintenance would 
continue to be considered.
    Some portions of the roads evaluated in this EA cross or run 
parallel to floodplains. Therefore, this EA includes a floodplain and 
wetlands assessment in compliance with DOE Floodplain and Wetland 
Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR Part 1022).
    DOE will consider comments received (see DATES and ADDRESSES, 
above) in finalizing the EA. Based on the final EA, DOE will determine 
whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or issue a finding 
of no significant impact if appropriate for the proposed action.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 29, 2006.
Edward F. Sproat, III,
Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management.
 [FR Doc. E6-10563 Filed 7-5-06; 8:45 am]
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